Set across 438 acres, the Heckfield estate contains ornamental gardens and pleasure grounds, a historic arboretum, a biodynamic market garden and an organic farm. Produce, flowers, and dairy products processed on site are supplied to the restaurants at Heckfield Place, regular produce sales held on its Home Farm as well as Spring restaurant in Somerset House.
Guests will be collected from Reading Station for the short journey to Heckfield where they will be met in in the walled garden glasshouse by Liz Reay, Head Estates Gardener. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served, and guests can stroll through the mixed ornamental planting areas of the upper and lower walled gardens, with Liz on hand to answer any questions.
Dominic Turner, Head Arborist, will then lead a walk through the arboretum of veteran chestnut, lime, yew, and North American conifers, planted in the mid to late 19th century by the Head Gardeners of the times, including William Wildsmith. Continuing Wildsmith’s legacy, the woodland is thoughtfully managed, with seeds collected from existing specimen trees in the arboretum and gardens across the country, that will be planted within the landscape to ensure the woodland’s longevity.
Passing the upper and lower lakes, guests will arrive at the market garden and farm, where a seasonal three-course lunch with wine will be served in one of the farm’s glasshouses.
In the afternoon, Jane Scotter, Head Grower, will show guests around the vegetable plots, glasshouses and polytunnels, and there will be a chance to purchase plants and produce from Home Farm.
The coach will depart directly from the farm for Reading Station at 4pm.
